Share

Serena bags world No 1 crown

New York - Serena Williams has secured the year-end world number one ranking for the third time in her glittering career, the WTA said Friday, after adding nine titles this season including two more Grand Slams.

The 32-year-old American power-hitter, now on a career total of 55 titles with 17 major wins, also achieved the feat in 2002 and 2009.

Williams joins Justine Henin and Martina Hingis as a three-time year-end number one, with only Steffi Graf (8), Martina Navratilova (7), Chris Evert (5) and Lindsay Davenport (4) ahead of her.

"Serena has proven time and time again throughout her career that she is an incredible champion, both on and off the court," said WTA chairperson and CEO Stacey Allaster said in a statement.

"This season she continues to rewrite the record books, proving that she is one of the sport's greatest athletes of all-time."

Williams has summited the rankings six times and on Monday, she will have held the top position for a total of 156 weeks, the WTA said.

In February, she became the oldest world number one since computer rankings were introduced in 1975.

And this year Williams also became the first woman to surpass $9 million in prize money in a single season, pushing her career earnings past $50 million.

Williams' total of 55 career singles titles means she is tied for seventh with Davenport and Virginia Wade on the all-time list.

Navratilova holds the record for the most singles titles with an astonishing 167, including 18 Grand Slams. The Open-era record belongs to Graf, with 22 major victories.


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE